1. The document discusses how human thought processes are largely metaphorical and our concepts structure how we perceive the world and relate to others. 2. It provides examples of common metaphors like "arguments are war" and suggests alternative metaphors can have different implications for culture, relationships, and schools. 3. The key point is that we are often unaware of the metaphors that structure our thinking and these metaphors are partially preserved in cultural rituals. Paying attention to our conceptual metaphors is important for leadership.

1. METAPHORS WE LIVE BY EAF 587 COMMUNITY RELATIONS Linda L. Lyman, Ph.D. Professor

2. Concepts Our concepts structure: What we perceive How we get around in the world How we relate to other people How we create the world of school Our conceptual system thus plays a central role in defining our everyday realities

3. An Illustration Most of our fundamental concepts are organized in terms of one or more spatial metaphors Active is up Passive is down Not all cultures give the priorities we do to up-down orientation Implications?

4. Other Examples More is better More is up Good is up But not, “Less is better” The future will be better The future is up Good is up But not, “The future will be worse”

5. Metaphors Human thought processes are largely metaphorical The human conceptual system is metaphorically structured and defined Fundamental values in a culture will be coherent with the metaphorical structure of the most fundamental concepts in the culture

6. Example 1 Concept = Argument Metaphor = Argument is war Type = Structural Implications for culture? Implications for relationships? Implications for schools?

7. Alternative Metaphor The argument was balanced The participants took turns Each point of view unfolded through a series of steps Each point of view was engaging and gracefully presented The dialogue ended with an unexpected turn

8. What did you hear? Concept = Argument Metaphor = Argument is a dance Type = Structural Implications for culture? Implications for relationships? Implications for schools?

9. Example 2 Concept = Love Metaphor = Love is a journey Type = Structural Implications for culture? Implications for relationships? Implications for schools? Does “the journey is love” differ?

10. Alternative Metaphor Love is a collaborative work of art Type – Unconventional Implications for culture? Implications for relationships? Implications for schools?

11. Example 3 Concept = Time Metaphor = Time is money. Type = Cultural System/Commodity Implications for the culture? Implications for relationships? Implications for schools?

12. Alternative Metaphor Time stands still. Type = Personification/What happens when we experience what Greeks called kairos time Implications for culture? Implications for relationships? Implications for schools?

13. Example 4 Concept = Mind Metaphor = Mind is a machine Type = Ontological Implications for culture? Implications for relationships? Implications for schools?

14. Alternative Metaphor Her ego is very fragile You have to handle him with care He broke under cross-examination She is easily crushed The experience shattered him His mind snapped I am going to pieces

15. What did you hear? Concept = Mind Metaphor = Mind is a brittle object Type = Ontological Implications for culture? Implications for relationships Implications for schools?

16. Self-Understanding Develop an awareness of metaphors we live by Metaphors have an experiential basis Seek experiences that can develop alternative metaphors Experience alternative metaphors as signs of cognitive flexibility and keys to empathy

17. Ritual Metaphors we live by are partially preserved in ritual Cultural metaphors are taught through ritual There can be no culture without metaphors and ritual Choose metaphors and rituals carefully

18. Summary We are normally not aware of our conceptual systems or mental models We act according to the way we conceive of things Our language is evidence of our conceptual systems Leadership requires paying attention to language, especially to metaphors